
Brian Bogert - Flipping The Lid Orphan to Wall Street: The Hidden POWER of ADVERSITY w/ Ed Hajim (E137)
Schools often prepare us to make a living, but rarely do they teach us how to make a life. While making a living focuses on earning from what we do, making a life is about the deeper journey of discovering who we are and what truly fulfills us.
In this episode, Brian Bogert sits down with Ed Hajim, a seasoned Wall Street executive with over 50 years of investment experience, respected mentor, philanthropist, and author of On the Road Less Traveled and The Island of the Four Ps.
Ed opens up about his remarkable journey from being an orphan to becoming one of Wall Street’s most respected leaders. He reflects on how his early experiences shaped his identity, strengthened his resilience, and taught him to rise above victimhood. Through his story, Ed reminds us that adversity can become a foundation for growth and purpose when faced with the right mindset.
In the course of the conversation, Ed explores the difference between making a living and building a life, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes not from what we earn, but from discovering who we are. Additionally, he shares his three mantras for living with purpose, the lessons he has learned during his more than 50 years on Wall Street, and the most impactful decision he made during that time.
Finally, Ed discusses his commitment to philanthropy, emphasizing that true success comes from giving back. He believes that true fulfillment comes from using one’s success to create opportunities for others and that giving is not just an act of generosity, but a powerful way to inspire growth and change.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Trailer
[02:28] Who is Ed Hajim?
[06:37] Making a Living vs. Building a Life
[09:31] Three Mantras
[14:38] Access to Education
[22:19] Being an Orphan
[26:21] Crusades & Causes
[37:21] Giving
[42:49] What Ed is Working On
[50:04] Marriage
[58:36] Wall Street
Key Takeaways:
• Schools do a decent job of teaching people how to make a living, but they don’t formally teach them how to make a life. ~Ed Hajim [03:22]
• If you want to make a real contribution, you have to find a real need. ~Ed Hajim [06:51]
• Making a living is about earning from what you do, while making a life is about discovering who you are. ~Ed Hajim [07:11]
• Education is the solution to everything. ~Ed Hajim [09:36]
• To live happily is to live hidden. ~Ed Hajim [18:34]
• Adversity is a gift. ~Ed Hajim [22:52]
• There is nothing better than changing someone’s life by giving them enough money to do what they want. ~Ed Hajim [33:32]
• When we give, we also open ourselves to receive. ~Brian Bogert [37:28]
• Life isn’t a smooth road; it is always under construction. ~Ed Hajim [01:05:23]
People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. THE ISLAND OF THE FOUR Ps: https://www.edhajim.com/island-of-the-4-ps
2. On The Road Less Traveled: https://www.edhajim.com/on-the-road-less-traveled
Keep In Touch with Ed Hajim:
Website: https://www.edhajim.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edhajimauthor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hajim-bba1a7204/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557858696157#
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Follow Brian Bogert…
Website: https://brianbogert.com/
Podcast: https://www.flippingthelid.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BogertBrian
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brian-bogert-companies/
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